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Unibear12r
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 01:53 am: | 
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Shawn is on a budget, but tires do make a big difference. With out using the proper or fresh tires when needed you won't be "in" the race. From what I could see on Sunday looking at and talking about Shawn's "superbike" the main difference appears to BE the tires. He had to change at least one rear tire out to new between the last two races. The rear tire was the reason he was 7th in unlimited instead of at least 5th or higher. You don't just make minute chain adjustments but tire/rim adjustments too. When he went back out on BOTT he was definitely much faster in the corners, back to what he was in the morning. I would guess this to be his biggest expense. I didn't keep track but I think they had to make two runs for new tires? Not cheap and something you can't ignore. They told me what his rebuilt superbike's engine had dynoed before the race and I'll only say that at least until it is fully broke in it is down somewhat from the numbers you usually hear about Eslick's bike. Until BMC comes out with it's engine upgrades it appears that you cannot do any better with the 1125 than the Daytona engine set up.
(Message edited by unibear12r on June 25, 2009) |
Unibear12r
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 02:33 am: |
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As far as some of the above speculation goes with the level of ability in Daytona and Superbike riders the difference between 1st and a "top ten" can be as little as picking the right tire but not the right rim and not getting the proper tire profile for the current track conditions. Which can change through out the day even under the best of conditions. |
Elfrippo
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 07:20 am: |
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Bell spending less than 1% of what the jap teams are spending? According to Court 1% equals $150,000, so in other words a jap team spends $15,000,000. I believe it when I see a reliable source. This isn't MotoGP you know... |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 07:57 am: |
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I think $15,000,000 is too small but I need to find it again.
You can start here . . .
http://world.honda.com/investors/quarterly/2009/FY 09Q4_Quarter_Fact_Sheet.pdf
And continue digging until you get to Research and Development. Eventually (and I stand ready to have my memory proven wrong) I think you will find that Honda employees more R&D and racing folks than Harley-Davidson has employees worldwide and that Honda's Motorcycle racing budget is far more than $15,000,000.
Granted that is ALL their motorcycle racing activities, but I'll bet it's closer to $100,000,000. Honda spend well over $1,000,000 PER RACE in the AMA. |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 08:02 am: |
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By the way . .. to help you get a flavor for the size of Honda (they are larger than all the other manufacturers combined) you will note in the above link that in ONE QUARTER (3 months) Honda produced and sold more motorcycles in Asia alone than Harley-Davidson produces in 5 years.
In 2007, before the market downturn, Honda was making about 25,000,000 motorcycles a year. . . a bit over 2,000,000 per month or to put it in perspective roughly 100,000 motorcycles a day.
Buell make 75 on their best days. |
Buellroadracer
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 08:22 am: |
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For anyone who thinks the Geico "deal" is small time...you are wrong. The Geico thing is a Major $$ Deal. You cant say they got a "discount" cause they are on Buell's instead of Suzuki or Honda's.
1) Buell is the only American motorcycle on the grid.
2) With the new rules package...it is the first time Buell is able to race with the 600cc bikes.
(Both 1 & 2 bring Buell/Geico into the Media spotlight)
3) Geico sponsored a rider in the AMA who rode a Suzuki Superbike for the past few years and there is a big difference between the Sponsored "set-up" of his, and of the RMR team. (and most people did'nt even notice that Geico sponsored a Superbike team for years...now look who knows)
4) The Geico RMR Buell pit Set-up is one of the best in the AMA Paddock. Top Notch 1st class hands down. Better than some of the other factory teams. I am not sure you could get a better pit set-up than what they have. (maybe a helicopter lol)
And on a side note...I think Buell is doing very well (top 10 in the AMA is great) So they are not going to WIN every race. Who cares? It is their 1st season and it will only get better. It take R&D to win races...give them time.
I want to see a 1125r Superbike...so everyone can stop the complaints about the HP advantage that the Buell has in SportBike. 
Jaycent Gebers
#5
Old Glory Buell
AMA PRO Moto-GT |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 09:01 am: |
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Buell, along with RMR and Geico, is doing really well. While the Geico deal is substantial it is a fraction of what other teams are spending . . . Buell, and Geico, are working very efficiently and getting a lot of bang for their buck. It is and will continue to be a great relationship and there are lots of exciting things in store.
Buell also has some GREAT riders who are very personable and fit the "business model" perfectly. They are skilled at what they do, the "appear" well in the media, are genuinely enthusiastic and very accessible to Buell fans.
The new "Presentation" van (spec'd out by Buell veteran Gary Cravillion) that was rolled out as an "oasis" at events is very nice as well. A great place to just sit, watch race videos and grab a drink of water.
And . . . no doubt that Buell . . . in terms of Umbrella Girls has the entire field . . . well "totally out chicked!". A couple of the 871 shot at Road America.
All photos COPYRIGHT COURT CANFIELD - 2009
P.S. - I'm not sure who's idea it was to put the Buell logo on the waistband of the green stretch pants . . . but it is only visible with the Umbrella girl bent completely over . . . I got some award winning shots but they are unflattering for a family website. |
Elvis
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 09:03 am: |
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Thanks Jaycent.
I certainly don't know the details of their agreement and I would hope all the money they need is there (and there is a real long-range plan).
My assumption that there wasn't as much money as there would be for more high-profile teams was pure speculation, and I certainly didn't mean it as a slight or insult.
Going into this season, I don't think anyone had any idea they would be this successful, so, from a sponsorship point of view, a team with a questionable chance of success would seem to be worth less than a team with proven past success.
And I'd certainly agree with your points in terms of the value of sponsoring an American brand with the loyal following that Buell has . . . but why is it so hard for Shawn to find someone to back him? That makes me wonder if sponsors really don't recognize the value of backing a Buell team.
I guess it could have to do with the economy or maybe Geico was the only one willing to make the leap and others are waiting on the sidelines until they've proven themselves more. |
Buell2001b
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 10:47 am: |
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wow. I surprised I did not relaized Geico and RMR had such a great package great pics but I think the girls are def way better then the yami girls.lol
I respect Geico for supporting an American Company. They get my money now. |
46champ
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 10:52 am: |
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I don't think Shawn is the only one having trouble finding sponsorship. It's not like the Latus bike is covered in outside none motorcycle sponsorship banners. I think finding sponsorship this year is rough everywhere. |
Duggram
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 12:31 pm: |
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Please notice in Court's pics the Latus Motors pits right next to Geico's. Latus might not have the same exposure as Geico, but they do have Taylor Knapp and Josh Bryan. In just 8 races Taylor is 11th in points, has a 4th & 6th at Road America and 4th at Road Atlanta. He missed the first 3 races.
Court, I can't believe you took all those pictures of the Yamaha pits and none of the Latus pits!! You need to stop by their pit to visit with the crew. Ronnie Saner the crew chief is especially helpful to little guys like me. Very good people!
BTW your pictures are very good. Thank you for posting. |
Firstbuell
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 12:54 pm: |
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I must be getting REALLY old, but here goes:
Buell had too many umbrella girls @ Sears Point....er, Infineon
no kidding - they were literally bumping into each other between the Latus & GEICO pits
ever-present Breeann [sp?] & selected other ladies were appropriately attentive
to their riders & crew, carrying water, towel & other comforts -
real pros, beauties & the 'brellas
however, also present was an excess of inept, too-young 'talent' -
it was almost Keystone Cops-level out on the line
hey, Buell PR! - hire a new agency & downsize for quality |
Fresnobuell
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 01:17 pm: |
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Buell had too many umbrella girls @ Sears Point....er, Infineon
Well that takes the cake. Someone complaining about too many umbrella girls. I don't think you are too old, being gay might be a different matter however.
I was there and didn't see anything worth complaining about for sure! |
Court
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 02:48 pm: |
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>>>>Court, I can't believe you took all those pictures of the Yamaha pits and none of the Latus pits!!
I have tons of Latus and the pits and for me one of the high points of Road America was getting to visit with my old friend George Latus.
I used to go to Latus a couple times a year and have some great memories and photos.
Visiting with George reminded me of how much I enjoy motorcycling and the people and experiences that Buell has brought into my life.
George is a special guy.
QUALITY ? ? ? . . . uh, I have DETAILED photos of ALL the Umbrella Girls and no one is even in the same league as Geico/RMR/Buell.
I also have . . . the pictures from Daytona and I'm doubting that will ever be duplicated.
The gals doing the Buell hospitality are no only great to chat with but I watched Breeann AFTER the races and I'm still sore from watching that girl work so hard loading trucks. They had to move lots of stuff because they can't drag the trailer behind the motorhome into the Republic of California and she was working her heart out. . . . Not only a nice gal and very pretty but a VERY HARD worker. |
Fireboltwillie
| | Posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009 - 03:03 pm: |
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Richie Morris, give Bree a raise! |
Buellroadracer
| | Posted on Friday, June 26, 2009 - 08:37 am: |
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Sponsorship...thats a tough one.
It takes a great deal of time and hard work to get the right sponsorship. We have spent countless hours on a sponsorship package along with trying to get "that" meeting with the right people to make it happen. We work on this daily...it never ends.
I know that there is someone out there that will provide the support that Shawn and Latus need. (they just don't know it yet) It is just matter of finding them and showing them. With their efforts and hard work....there is no doubt that they will gain the support that they are in need of.
Remember...There is only a handful of racers today that have Full Rides (Get paid enough to race and also do not have a day job)
The main problem is time. The time/effort that it takes, is hard to do when you are in the middle of a full blown race season. Your mind should be on racing...and not worried about how you are going to pay for new tires or fuel for the next race.
Things have been looking good for Buell's racing program this year. I hope as time passes that there will be more interest in backing the teams that are riding the only American Motorcycle in the series...
BUELL
P.S. If anyone would like details on how you can provide support to the Old Glory Buell race team, contact me directly
jcentsr6@hotmail.com
Jaycent Gebers
#5
Old Glory Buell
AMA PRO Moto-GT
www.OldGloryBuell.com
(Message edited by BuellRoadRacer on June 26, 2009) |
Court
| | Posted on Friday, June 26, 2009 - 09:50 am: |
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>>>The main problem is time.
I'd disagree and suggest that one of the problems is that most racers are very poor "sponsor" finders.
Several years ago . . . after years of knocking on doors hoping for Buell sponsorship connections . . . I had the opportunity to meet with a professional firm from Denver. This is something akin to a matchmaking service. These are the folks you use as a broker if you are trying to get before a Microsoft, Coke or Geico.
Sponsorship has absolutely ZERO to do with enthusiasm. Enthusiasm creeps in as things go well but sponsorship is a business.
There are a few exceptions, notably in the $100,000 amateur sponsorships.
I, actually C. L. Canfield, Inc, used to sponsor Mike Patterson and his dirt track efforts. I went into the deal fully aware that the chance of someone seeing Mike sliding through turn 1 at Springfield of the Sacramento Mile would likely never see the company name on the tank and I'd get a "hey, I need a power plant built" call on Monday. I did it for fun.
There is yet another kind of racing and Latus would fall in that category. I'm not sure they'd turn down a sponsor but I'll bet they aren't actively seeking them either.
I had a chance to visit with George Latus at Road America (if you haven't met him and see him at a race, don't miss the chance, he's a legend) and most of what motivates him is "giving back" to a business that has been very good to him.
Bree is a professional media person. You'll find her Honda efforts on her website. She provides functions that are somewhat similar to what I did when I served with The White House Advance Team. My job was to act as an intermediary between The White House and the various media agencies where we were traveling. They had to contact me to get permission to enter an event and I made sure they got the access and support they needed to get the coverage we wanted. Again, there are fun elements and it would be inaccurate to say it's "not fun" but I never lost sight of the fact that it was business, neither does Bree . . that's what she does for a business.
Sponsorship is big business and obtaining sponsors, beyond the amateur level, requires skills few racers possess. Race teams finding their own sponsors falls, in my mind, into the same catagory as Doctors trying to do their own investing. |
Buellroadracer
| | Posted on Friday, June 26, 2009 - 10:44 am: |
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Correct sponsorship is a Business. I take it that was as well. I am just saying it can become difficult to find the time when...
You are a privateer racer,
Who still has to work another job to get the bills paid,
and has a family at home. (I think most fit into this format).
We are eye to eye on-- that most are very poor "Sponsor Finders"
I have raced with some great people over the years, that could land a Huge sponsor, but lack the effort to do so. I have had people ask "How do you always find sponsors"--when they just send a letter to a company asking "Will you sponsor me"--and wonder why they don't have sponsorship??
I should have typed my statement like this...
"For those who are active in seeking sponsorship, time can be a major factor"
I think we are on the same page.
Jaycent Gebers
#5
Old Glory Buell
AMA PRO Moto-GT
www.OldGloryBuell.com |
Ebear
| | Posted on Friday, June 26, 2009 - 10:48 am: |
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"Buell had too many Umbrella Girls"
Thats like saying.."I have too many Buell Motorcycles"
Impossible , I say!!!..Impossible!
Nice shots Court!Didn't know you were such good friends with Mr.Latus.
He is a special person , I'm glad to have met him! |
Duggram
| | Posted on Friday, June 26, 2009 - 10:55 am: |
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I'm jealous. I didn't meet Mr Latus. But I did meet Ronnie Saner, his crew chief, as well as Josh Bryan and Alan Schmidt. Ronnie helped me with problems on my bike that would have kept me off the track. Josh helped with riding advice, which really was cool. Great group. Maybe the good Karma flows from the top down? |
Buellbree
| | Posted on Friday, June 26, 2009 - 11:32 am: |
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Court great pics, I emailed you the other day requesting some pretty please...You have some great shots I know some of our sponsors would really like to see!
It was great meeting all you Buell owners/fans at RA and the other various track.
Don't ever shy away and not come up and introduce yourselves to the team!
The support we get is amazing and let's keep it going! |
Buell2001b
| | Posted on Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 10:33 pm: |
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If Taylor keeps spteping on Eslick toes, I do not see why anyone would not give his team a sponsorship next year. I am very impressed on taylor coming on the DSB series. I just hope he sticks with buell and does not jump onto a suzuki like almost everyone is doing it. I was so happy last week when ducati spanked mladin and his suzuki butt. Ducati should be owning the AMA just like they do SBK |
Buell2001b
| | Posted on Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 10:35 pm: |
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First buell we shoudl call you Gaybuell if you think buell had to many umbrella girls.
its called V-twin its a manly bike not a sissy bike. they have an image to protect.
Maybe you wnat an unbrella boy,lol |
Wademan
| | Posted on Saturday, July 11, 2009 - 03:23 am: |
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Haha you said Gaybuell! I love it!
(Message edited by wademan on July 11, 2009) |
Badlionsfan
| | Posted on Saturday, July 11, 2009 - 07:57 am: |
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First buell we shoudl call you Gaybuell if you think buell had to many umbrella girls.
its called V-twin its a manly bike not a sissy bike. they have an image to protect.
Maybe you wnat an unbrella boy,lol
Wademan
Take it is one him, maybe he just had a few too many apple-tinis. |
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